Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-03-25
Andrew Ehman,. Romance.

THE STRANGE STORY OF AN ESCAPED CONVICT BE
FORE STATE BOARD OF PARDoNs.
telegram from Lancaster, Pa, March 10, says:
In the spring of 1879 Andrew Khman, a cigar
maker, aged 49, was convicted on a charge Of bur-
glary committed in this county, and sentenced to
Tive years in the county jail. He served nearly
four years when the memorable 1ail delivery
managed by the Abe BuZZard gang several OF
whom were incarcerated in the JAIL occurred.
Ehman escaped with the rest, nearly all of whom
were recaptured reward OF 800 was offered
for the apprehension OF Ehman and the others
who were at large, but no trace OF them was ever
found.
month ago a person who knew Ehman In
this county, and had worked with him went to
Delaware, Ohio, after employment, an extensive
cooperative cigar factory having been started
there about year ago. The founder Of the fac
tory and Its president was young man named
Charles A Smith, who, although having heen but
two or three years in the place was a leading
citizen there, and foremost In many enterprises.
The Lancaster county man recognized In this
prominent citizen OF Delaware the escaped con-
Wet, Andrew Ehman- He sent word to Lancaster,
and an officer, armed with all the necessary
papers went TO Delaware and arrested Ehman.
The arrest would have resulted in a riot but for
the good sense OF the prisoner himself the citi
zens generally refused to accept the story the de-
tectiveS told. EhInan confessed TO the truth him.
self, and the officers were permitted to depart
with their prisoner
IL seems that Ehman had tramped to Delaware
after MS escape from the Lancaster Jail, and had
obtained work at his trade under the name OF
Smith He was such an expert and excellent
NOIhHiiH anu his character anu habits proved TO
be 80 uniformly correct tina. he quickly obtained
the conference OF his employers, WAS made their
foreman, ana subsequently started the coOpera-
tive WORKS, which, AZ the time his identity was
discovered, were employing 200 hands. He was
instrumental In building q Lutheran church in the
town. became treasurer OF the Knights of PythiaS
and occupied other places OF trust. He married an
eStlnIiO!e young woman, owned me residence.
and was a model and exemplary citizen in every
way.
so popular was he with the people of Delaware
from the highest TO The lowest, that the knOwl-
edge OF his youthful error, and that he came among
Ihen an escaped convict under an assumed name,
mas not leSSened him In their estimation In the
least, ana they have sent strong petition, signed
oy Judges, preachers, the Mayor, and hundreds OF
Others asking the board Oh pardOnS OF this state to
grant EhInan pardon, that he may be restored to
IAeIn and his family. This petition has been SUP
pieInented by many others from this county, and
EhmanS case has been presented 10 the board In
strong plea by b. Frank Esheiman, who was dis
convicted That the unfortunate young mans ref
ormatlon Is complete and unmiStakable his re-
marketable career since his escape from Jail leaves
no DOUBT and 1t Is certain that he Will receive an
unconditional pardon.
A FREE NAN AGAIN.
special from Lancaster, Pa, last night SAYS:
The pardon OF Andrew Ehman reached this city at
As this afternoon, and a few minutes later
Ehman walked from his prison cell free man.
lie Will return TO the home that he made for him.
sell In ONO, his place in the cooperative factory
having been kept for him. His wife has freely
forgiven him the oIense committed in his boy
hood.